Oval Cable Clamping Insert for Tool-Free Outlet Box Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing enclosures lack a compact and space-efficient means to securely clamp cables in place as they pass through openings, requiring cumbersome installation processes and disposal of knockouts.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a manufacturer-installed or pre-installed oval-shaped cable clamping insert with retaining clips and a living hinge flap, allowing easy cable securing and adjustment without tools, eliminating the need for knockout removal and providing additional space for wire and device placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional knockouts are used to allow cable passage through enclosure walls, then cable installation is possible, but the process requires removing the knockout and fastening cables within the enclosure, increasing installation time and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The cable clamping insert is pre-installed in the enclosure by the manufacturer before shipping, eliminating the need for on-site knockout removal and cable fastening operations. The insert is positioned and secured in advance, ready for immediate cable insertion by the end user.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable clamping function is extracted from the enclosure body itself and implemented as a separate, dedicated insert component. This allows the clamping mechanism to be optimized independently and installed in a standardized manner without modifying the enclosure structure.
2Reliability
If traditional cable fastening methods are used within the enclosure, then cables can be secured, but additional space is consumed for wire and device placement
Solution Approach 1:
The cable clamping insert utilizes the wall thickness dimension of the enclosure by extending retaining clips through the wall opening. This allows cable retention to be achieved in the wall dimension rather than consuming valuable internal enclosure space, effectively moving the clamping action to a different spatial dimension.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable clamping insert is nested within the enclosure wall opening, with the insert body positioned in the wall and retaining clips extending into the enclosure interior. This nested configuration allows the clamping mechanism to occupy minimal space while still providing effective cable retention.
3Ease of operation
If knockouts are removed and cables are fastened in the enclosure during installation, then proper cable securing is achieved, but the process requires on-site disposal of knockouts and additional installation steps
Solution Approach 1:
The cable clamping insert is pre-installed in the enclosure by the manufacturer before shipping, eliminating the need for on-site knockout removal and cable fastening operations. The insert is positioned and secured in advance, ready for immediate cable insertion by the end user.
4Area of stationary object
If a compact cable clamping solution is implemented, then space is saved in the enclosure, but the clamping mechanism must be sufficiently simple to allow tool-free installation and adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining clips are designed with elastic flexibility, allowing them to be compressed inward to release cables and to naturally spring back to their original position to secure cables. This dynamic elastic behavior provides tool-free cable installation and removal without requiring complex mechanical mechanisms.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates secure, tool-free cable installation with reduced space consumption in enclosures, enhancing cable management and eliminating the need for on-site knockout disposal, while ensuring secure cable retention and easy reconfiguration.
Implementation Method 1
The external portion has a living hinge resiliently securing a flap thereto so that the flap normally closes the cable passing opening
Data Source
AI summary
A manufacturer installed cable clamping insert is provided that can be used to fix various sizes of non-metallic sheeted cables to an electrical outlet box. The insert can be oval in shape and can be used to secure the cable without a tool. In use, the cable is simply pushed through a flap of the insert to a desired position in the enclosure. The cables can be removed or readjusted simply by lifting the flap from inside of the enclosure.